Qualifications needed

Software developers require a strong understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of software development, and some experience with development environments and languages. This knowledge can be gained through informal practical experience, but programmers usually have one or both of the following:

a tertiary qualification in computing, information systems, or related field, or

in some instances, specialist certification in security, testing or other standards.

Cost of study

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

$20,500 over three years

Average costs in 2018 for a domestic student. Costs vary between institutions. First time students may be eligible for fees-free tertiary education for their first year of study, which will reduce the total cost. For more information about fees-free eligibility, go to feesfree.govt.nz. Some polytechnics may have a zero-fees scheme. Further costs include materials, textbooks, and accommodation.

Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by region, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy Services website.

The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed budget planning.

Where to study

Software developers gain many skills on the job and attend a wide range of courses to update their knowledge and techniques. Most tertiary institutions in New Zealand provide training in computer science, information systems, ICT and other related fields.

Registration

The Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) is the ICT sector’s professional body. It works to improve education and professional standards in the ICT industry in New Zealand and around the world. Although there are many ICT-related organisations and groups in New Zealand, IITP is the only professional body. It also accredits IT Professionals in New Zealand via two professional certifications. – CITPNZ and CTech.

It is expected that software developers who hold professional accreditation will have a significant advantage in the job market; they will command a higher level of pay than those without professional accreditation.

Further information on certification can be found in the IITP website.

There has been a strong growth in the number of software developers employed in recent years, resulting in almost a doubling of employment from 2006 to 2013. There is also strong projected employment growth of around 5.0% per year from 2016-21 and 4.0% per year out to 2026.

Employment chart

Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections

Outcomes after qualification completion*

Most graduates were in employment three years after completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Relatively few were in further study, and some were overseas. The median salary was around $55,000 at that point.

A number of specific occupations for software developers appear on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list, including:

Multimedia specialist

Web developer

Analyst programmer

Software engineer

Software tester

Other software and applications programmers

ICT systems test engineer

The long-term skill shortage list always applies for all regions. If a job is on the list, it means the government is actively encouraging skilled people in these jobs from overseas to work in New Zealand. It also means that domestic graduates have very good job prospects. A full list is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Where to find job vacancies

The number of online job vacancies for software applications programmers has been falling since 2011, while the number for all occupations has increased. Considering that employment is growing fast, this could mean that this industry often recruits through other channels.

Jobs advertised chart

Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Vacancies for software developers are advertised through public media such as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek and, increasingly, through social media like LinkedIn.